More K-pop idols active in producing music

Zico

By Kim Jae-heun

In the K-pop scene, it can be hard to find popular idol singers who could write their own songs, as many of them were trained to only sing and dance before their debut. However, more young K-pop stars are beginning to write their own songs, allowing them to pursue originality in music and providing them with a chance to work as songwriters at the same time.

There have been popular singer-songwriters like Park Jin-young, Gaeko and Choija of Dynamic Duo, who’ve all received much love for their own style of music. However, most of the singers from past idol groups, such as H.O.T, Fin.K.L or G.O.D did not create their own songs. They had professional music producers in the company to write songs for them and would record their albums according to producers’ guidance. And many times, although they were very successful in selling millions of albums, others did not regard them as true musicians.

G-Dragon

G-Dragon, the rapper of YG Entertainment’s most successful hip-hop group BIGBANG, rose as one of the first idol musicians to produce songs since his debut album. He’s written global hit songs such as “We Belong Together,” “Lie” and “Last Farewell.”

Another idol musician Zico of Block B also received big attention for his ability to produce catchy songs that both appeal to underground hip-hop fans as well as mainstream music audiences. He appeared in season 4 of the rap competition TV show “Show Me the Money” as a producer with Paloalto of Hi-Lite Records in 2015. His popular songs include “Tough Cookie,” “Okey Dokey,” “Say Yes or No” and “I Am You, You Are Me.”

“One of the main reasons that more K-pop idols with the ability to write songs are appearing these days is because K-pop has become the mainstream of the Korean music industry for the last 10 years,” said music critic Kim Yoon-ha. “In the past, and still now to some serious musicians, idol group singers are not seen as true musicians because they receive songs from other producers. But with the rise and dominance of K-pop in the country’s music industry, many talented musicians have gathered in the young and trendy music industry and became idol group members themselves.”

Kim added that G-Dragon has inspired many young idol-wannabes to become singer-songwriters as the rapper enjoys unprecedented popularity and is recognized for his musical skills.

Jinyoung

She also pointed out that idol singers now fill various niches in the entertainment sectors, such as acting in films or on the small screen. She believes learning the ability to write songs can help musically talented idol singers build up competitiveness to survive in the harsh K-pop industry where upwards of 300 new groups debut every year.

“Idol singers are only active for 10 years on average and that is a successful case,” said Kim. “If they can produce songs, they can work as professional music producers when their groups disband. It pays really well too, when they make one megahit song.”